Educators across the country are acknowledging the enormous value of a liberal arts education for future teachers. The Teacher Education Program at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) is a model of an integrated, liberal arts curriculum within a small, state supported college. The mission of USAO’s Teacher Education Program is to produce ethical, effective, informed and reflective teachers, who are capable of independent practice and continued professional growth. To achieve this mission, the program is comprised of an integrated, instructional model. This unique conceptual framework incorporates: 1) interdisciplinary instruction, 2) a liberal arts curriculum, 3) specialty studies, 4) Professional Studies, and 5) Effective Teacher research..

In accordance with the regulations set forth by the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation (OCTP), the Oklahoma State Board of Education (SDE), and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the USAO Teacher Education Program provides pre-service teachers with a broad liberal arts, interdisciplinary foundation that is integrated into professional teacher preparation programs at both the elementary and secondary levels. The 11 program areas that lead to teacher certification are: art, deaf education, early childhood education, elementary education, English, mathematics, music (both instrumental and vocal), physical education, science, and social studies.

The Division of Education and Speech Language Pathology offers three education degree programs: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Deaf Education. Upon successful completion of these programs and other licensure requirements, students in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Deaf Education are eligible to apply for a standard teaching certificate in their degree area. An undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology is also offered through this division.

If you are thinking about a career in education, but also want to major in a liberal arts subject like history, sociology, English, music, or art, then USAO is the place for you. At USAO you can have both! You can receive a liberal arts education, and by the time you graduate, still have the necessary background to qualify for a PK-12 or secondary teaching license. Our PK-12 and secondary certification programs are offered through the other three divisions on campus. These programs are certification programs only with candidates satisfying degree requirements as well as certification requirements. Students wishing to obtain a teaching license in one of these areas should contact the education advisor in that area to obtain a copy of the degree/certification program checksheet along with other relevant program information.

The Teacher Education Program at USAO is both state (OCTP) and nationally (NCATE) accredited and our graduates are teaching throughout Oklahoma and the United States. For more information on our programs, or to e-mail a program advisor, visit one of the web sites in the Index below. To obtain information regarding enrolling at USAO, e-mail Mr. Joe Evans, Director of Enrollment & Records. The Teacher Education Office is located in Gary Hall, Room 106.